Trail Roots Holiday Gifts for Runners

Runners love their go-to gear and with so many options out there, how do you choose? Luckily, we have a big group of runners to survey and this is what they voted as their top gear.

Best Brand Trail Shoe

HOKA & Altra

We had a tie! Of course choosing the right shoe is highly personal, but Trail Roots members love HOKA and Altra brand shoes for trail running.

HOKA remains a favorite for trail runners due to the ample cushion and rocker motion delivered by a stacked height midsole. Being both lightweight and high traction with Vibram® Megagrip, these shoes are preferred as a daily trainer for the rocky, technical trails found in Texas.

Altra is also a top recommended shoe thanks to its FootShape™ wide toe box that allows for better toe grip and comfort for miles upon miles.

We recommend getting fitted at a local running store, for the best shoe for you. Check out Ready to Run or The Loop Running Supply if you’re local to Austin.

Best Brand Headlamp

Petzl

With shorter, darker days, it’s likely that the runner in your life will need a good headlamp. There are lots of great options out there, one of our faves is the Petzl brand. With several options available for each use, you’ll see many of our runners wearing the Petzl IKO Core Headlamp for its brightness and long battery life, it also sits comfortably on your head with minimal bouncing.

Runner up: BioLite

Best Winter Jacket

Women’s Houdini Jacket available at Patagonia

Patagonia Houdini® Jacket

This jacket gets pulled out on those dark, windy, cold mornings that the winter brings. It’s lightweight enough to stuff in you pack or wrap around your waist when you start to heat up. It’s also water resistant which comes in handy. Grab this jacket when you head out the door.

Runner up: Janji Rainrunner

Best Hydration Vest

Salomon Active Skin Set

Salomon is synonymous with ultra running, and as more brands develop hydration packs, you’ll still see the Active Skin Set on the backs of many runners. The ample storage and capability for carrying 3 liters of water makes this pack great for long unsupported runs and races when you have to bring all your trail supplies with you for hours spent on the trail.

Runner up: Ultimate Direction

Best Base Layer

Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer

Born in Boston, Tracksmith products are built for cold weather! Luckily, Austin doesn’t get as cold, but this base layer is perfect for 30 degree mornings and breathes as you heat up since it’s made from merino wool. It’s also odor resistant which means less washing and a longer life for seasons to come. Quick drying and high style lets you go from a run to the coffee shop without changing.

Runner up: Smartwool Thermal

Best Cold Weather Gloves

REI

We love the REI Co-op brand because the quality is on par with bigger name brands, but comes with an affordable price tag. Gloves are a must in the winter months, sometimes that’s all you need! Keeping your hands warm makes running more bearable when the temperatures drop.

Runner up: Brooks

Best Winter Accessory

Beanie

Who doesn’t love a beanie? We all have drawers full of them, but still can’t stop buying them. Keeping heat from escaping your head is great for post run to keep the body temperature from dropping too quickly, plus they just look cool!

Check out our merino wool Trail Roots beanie, we have a handful left!

Runner up: Running buff

For the Trail Roots Lover

Ok, maybe we’re biased, but have you checked out our shop? We have tons of high quality gear that not only looks great, but performs on a run. We also offer gift cards if you can’t decide.